Just to prove my point on it being the weakest period in the AFL timeline.. None of those names are really one's you'd remember off the top of your head in 10-15 years. A few even caused me to chuckleOh, we'll be OK. We have good talent spotters. We didn't build our premiership era on AFL handouts.
We picked up Dylan Grimes in the 2009 pre-season draft after every other club passed (including Melbourne who had previously drafted his brother with pick 14). Club captain, B&F, 3-time premiership player.
Pre season 2010 - Bachar Houli. 26 games in 4 years at Essendon. Goes to Richmond - plays 88 games in next 4 years. Nearly wins 2xNormies. Thanks Bumblers.
In the 2014 Rookie draft (ie players no one else wanted), we got:
Kane Lambert (under Carlton's noses for 3 years at Preston, including winning the B&F there).
Jason Castagna (under Carlton's noses for 2 years at Preston. 3-time premiership player).
Jayden Short - B&F in a premiership year (2020).
Ivan Soldo (premiership player - would have been 2, but for injury).
In 2016, we took Nathan Broad ND Pick 67 - played 4 years WAFL . WC & Freo not interested. 3-time premiership player.
A few clever trades:
Shaun Grigg for Andy Collins (thanks Carlton - again).
Toby Nankervis - 4th best ruckman at Sydney (thanks, Swans). Club captain, 3-time premiership player.
Josh Caddy (former top-10 draft pick - thanks Geelong).
One big trade (Prestia)
One Free agent (Lynch).
Aaaaaaand - we're done. 3 premierships, thanks.
We'll be OK.